Off into the cool water - three Karlsruhe bathing lakes put to the test
Summer, sun, bathing time! Temperatures are rising and many people are looking to cool off in the heat. For those who don't like outdoor pools and prefer a more natural setting, swimming and quarry ponds offer the perfect alternative. Here are three selected examples.
Grötzingen quarry pond
The Grötzingen quarry pond, which is accessible free of charge, is idyllically surrounded by forest in the nature and landscape conservation area on the eastern edge of Karlsruhe. It is divided into different areas: Bathing area with sunbathing lawn, diving area, boating area and nature reserve. Barbecues and camping are prohibited. However, there is a dog beach and even a drinking area for horses.
The "Weingartener Moor" nature reserve in the northern part of the lake is known for its special amphibian population. Swimming and water sports are prohibited here. However, water birds such as crested grebes and little grebes can be observed on the shore. A circular path leads around the entire lake, inviting you to slow down and experience nature.
The Fischerheim Grötzingen is not far from the quarry pond. Here you can sit in the cozy beer garden and enjoy the view over the lake while eating delicious food.
Parking is possible in the two free parking lots. From the larger one, you have to walk a bit through the forest, the smaller one is closer to the lake. By public transport , the lake can be reached by bus no. 21, Emil-Arheit-Halle stop, and then by foot.
Buchtzig bathing lake
The route continues to Ettlingen-Bruchhausen. The Buchtzig bathing lake has a water surface area of 13 hectares. Sandy and grassy beaches offer peace and relaxation. Trees and large sunshades provide shade. The swimming area is separated and supervised. The four swimming islands in the lake are ideal for sunbathing and jumping.
At the natural lake, you can not only swim, but also play beach volleyball, basketball and table tennis or take a pedal boat across the lake. Children can let off steam in an extra paddling area or on the playground.
There are three different barbecue areas to enjoy. Or you can visit the kiosk with lakeside terrace and enjoy chips, schnitzel, ice cream and other delicacies. Non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails are available at the beach bar.
As the lake is part of the Ettlingen baths, there are sanitary facilities, changing rooms and lockers here.
The lake costs an entrance fee, but parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at the baths or online. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Bruchhausen train station.
Epplesee
Lake Epplesee in Forchheim is one of the most popular bathing lakes in the district of Karlsruhe. This is also due to the sandy beach, which evokes a pure vacation feeling. Water rats get their money's worth with free admission: you can not only swim, but also dive, sail and kitesurf. A plus point: the lake is supervised by the DLGR.
Seen from the family meadow on the left-hand side is the site of the Neuburgweier sailing club. A little further on is the Rheinstetten-Forchheim gravel pit.
Incidentally, the lake got its name from the Epple company, which created it for gravel extraction back in 1937.
On the southern bank is the "Allmendäcker" nature reserve, which has been completely left to nature and may not be entered.
From the textile bathing area on the right-hand side, you reach the dog beach and the mixed area for clothed and unclothed bathers. The "Seegugger" restaurant is not far away. From its beer garden you can see as far as the Black Forest mountains! Below the restaurant is the nudist area.
Getting there is straightforward. You can either park your car in the large, paid parking lot or take the train to the Forchheim or Forchheim Hauptstraße stops and walk the rest of the way.
